Configure project to include only list of specific tests

[eilone]

Describe the feature

A feature to allow users to selectively include specific tests (or models) when running dbt build --select package:dbt_project_evaluator. Currently, users can exclude certain tests using --exclude or the exclude_packages config, but there’s no straightforward way to run only a specific subset without manually specifying each test. This feature would support a selection filter within a package context, allowing for targeted test runs on specific tests within the dbt_project_evaluator package (or any other package) directly.

Describe alternatives you’ve considered

One alternative is to manually list each test to run, but this is not efficient or scalable for projects with many tests. Another approach is to tag specific tests within the package, but tagging must be customized and requires ongoing maintenance as tests are updated or added.

Additional context

This feature would be most relevant for large dbt projects where running all tests in a package can be time-consuming. It applies across databases and would improve dbt’s flexibility for selective testing in packages like dbt_project_evaluator, especially for teams who want more granular control over package execution.

Who will this benefit?

This feature will benefit dbt users who rely on packages like dbt_project_evaluator but need to run only specific tests, either for troubleshooting or partial test scenarios. For example, a user may want to run only performance-related tests or only schema validation tests within the evaluator package, without needing to run the entire set. This selective approach would enhance productivity and reduce resource usage.

Are you interested in contributing this feature?

No

[b-per]

Hi! Is it something that you could use the dbt YAML selectors for?